Because he is the same height and build as James Franco, Waterford resident Brian Hagerty, right, spent seven months working as Franco's stand-in during the filming of "Oz, the Great and Powerful." Franco, left, is dressed as his character in the movie, debuting March 8.

When Brian Hagerty attends the premiere of the Disney film, "Oz, the Great and Powerful" Friday, he'll reflect back on his time working as star James Franco's stand-in.

"It was one of the most extraordinary experiences from start to finish for seven months," said Hagerty, 33, of Waterford Township.

The film, directed by Royal Oak native Sam Raimi, opens to the public Friday. Hagerty saw the film for the first time Tuesday evening at a special invitation-only premiere in Royal Oak.

"Visually, it's incredible, very stunning," said Hagerty, a filmmaker himself. "It's crazy to know this whole world was shot in the studios. It was a lot of fun to see it all come together."

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Hagerty, who has the same build and hair color as Franco, was among 254 actors vying for the role, he said.

A stand-in is used by directors for pre-production work, screen tests, makeup and wardrobe tests, he said.

"It was really great working one-on-one with Sam Raimi and James (Franco)," said Hagerty. The film was shot at Raleigh Michigan Studios -- now called Michigan Motion Picture Studios -- in Pontiac.

Hagerty became so connected with Franco that he was able to persuade Franco to appear in a music video Hagerty directed.

"It was a lot of fun," Hagerty said. The video can be found on YouTube with singer/guitarist Jen Cummings singing, "Before We Sail."

Hagerty, who writes, produces, directs and acts, has subsequently worked with Franco on additional projects, including a Gucci commercial shot last December in Los Angeles. Hagerty also has a small role in the "Oz" movie.

Film in Michigan

Brian Hagerty is sorry Michigan has scaled back its funding for films.

"We didn't get a chance to see what the industry could have done," he said. "We got a great taste and then had the rug taken out from under us. It was a shame."

In 2008 the state increased the film incentive, saying for each dollar spent locally, a filmmaker would receive nearly half of it back.

Then in 2012 Gov. Rick Snyder urged cutbacks, and the Legislature approved a $25 million budget appropriation for the new Film and Digital Media Production Assistance Program. To qualify for funding, an eligible production company must have direct production expenditures and/or Michigan personnel expenditures of at least $100,000.

For many in Michigan, the dream ended, Hagerty said.

"Now there are films coming here but nothing like it was," he said. "We lost so many big films. It was very disheartening."

Franco kind to kids

Christine Strachan said Franco and Michelle Williams, who plays Glinda, treated her daughter well on the set of "Oz."

Strachan of Troy submitted her daughter's photo and résumé to casting staff in Los Angeles.

"Madison was then hand picked by Sam Raimi," Strachan said of her daughter, who was then 9.

Styling Madison's hair for the part of a "quadling child," referring to an area in the Land of Oz, was a major undertaking, she said.

"It took one and a half hours to do hair, and one time it took two hours," Strachan said.

She said her daughter, a Troy Union Elementary School student, enjoyed her time working on the movie.

"James Franco would come and talk to the girls," she said. "He was really personable on the set."

Madison's younger brothers, Liam and Ian, are happy for their sister.

"She's really down to earth and not making a big deal (of being in the film)," Strachan said. Madison's father is Alex Strachan.

"She hopes to be an actor some day. But she loves animals, too, and wants to be a veterinarian."

FYI

The debut of "Oz, the Great and Powerful" at various locations this week has sparked events around the area. A sold-out premiere of the film is taking place for friends and family connected with the movie at the Uptown Palladium Theater in Birmingham Friday evening. Afterwards, people are invited to the "Oz After Glow," an event with music and a cash bar to benefit the Coalition for Dwarf Advocacy will be held 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday at the San Marino Club, 1685 East Big Beaver Road in Troy. Advance tickets are $15 and $20, at the door. Organizers note for every ticket sold "we will come one step closer in finding a loving home for a dwarf orphan. Call 586-337-7771 or colin@bizmatchconnect.com

To watch James Franco being directed by Waterford's Brian Hagerty in local musician Jen Cummings' video, visit http://bit.ly/15ytXsI

Contact Carol Hopkins at 248-745-4645 or carol.hopkins@oakpress.com. Follow her on Twitter @OPCarolHopkins or on Facebook @OPcarolhopkins